How to Prevent Tick Bites and Lyme Disease in Dogs
It’s time to rejoice! Spring is finally in the air after a frigid winter. We love our skiing and snowboarding here in Vermont but we’ve had enough of winter. Along with birds chirping and flowers blooming, spring is also the start of tick season in the northeast and other coastal areas.
It’s for that reason April is “Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs” month. It’s a chance for pet parents to learn more about the dangers of tick bites.
Lyme disease can only be transmitted through a tick bite and cases have been reported in all 50 states. Tick season is at its peak from March through October, but that’s no reason to panic and change your plans. There are simple ways to prepare yourself to tackle the tick problem before your next camping trick or outdoor adventure!
Avoid Tick-Infested Areas
This seems obvious until you unleash your dog in the backyard. After months of being stuck indoors, your ball of energy is ready to break free and explore the outdoors. Unfortunately, ticks are waiting in bushes and densely forested areas to latch onto your dog.
The best thing you can do is avoid wooded areas where ticks reside. Easier said than done, right? Keep your dog attached to a leash and stay on trails during your walks. It’s much easier to prevent ticks from attaching to your dog the
n finding one already there. Which brings us to our next tip…
Check Your Dog for Ticks
Make it a habit to check your dog for ticks after being outside. Be as thorough as possible by going through his fur and coat with a fine-toothed comb. It’s important to find ticks as soon as possible. After attaching to your dog, Lyme Disease is transmitted in 36-48 hours, according to the CDC.
A bull’s-eye sized rash is a sign that your dog has been bitten by a tick. It’s important to act quickly since Lyme disease is easier to treat in the early stages.
The AKC notes that signs of Lyme disease in dogs include fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, lameness, discomfort and swelling of joints but it may take months before symptoms materialize. Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice a rash or any of these symptoms.
Use a Topical Flea and Tick Repellent
Adult ticks are the size of an apple seed and often go unnoticed by dog owners. It’s always difficult to find a tick nestled in your dog’s fur. Instead, you can use a topical solution to help ward off tickets and other critters like mosquitoes, fleas and flies.
Our Flea+Tick repellent spray and wipes feature a blend of Brazilian oils that act as a natural shield from unwanted pests like ticks. These non-sticky ingredients don’t contain drugs to make it safe to apply directly to pets.
Available in spray or wipes, Flea+Tick can be easily applied to your pet’s skin and coat to help repel pests so you don’t have to worry about a thing!